Beckman wins league showdown with University

IRVINE - There was a lot at stake Tuesday night for both the University and Beckman girls basketball teams in their Pacific Coast League game.

University was hoping to exact revenge for an earlier loss to the Patriots. Beckman came in seeking to solidify a playoff berth.

The Patriots made a statement Tuesday night, defeating the Trojans, 56-39, at Beckman.

"These girls have a lot of pride," said Patriots coach Brian Jo. "We don't get a whole lot of respect."

Alexis Casillas had a game-high 25 points for Beckman.

Dana Bossenmeyer led the Trojans (13-10, 3-4) with 17 points.

A victory for University would have drawn the Trojans even with the Patriots (14-9, 5-2) for the league's final automatic playoff spot.

Trojans coach Nicole Bradshaw was displeased with her team's effort.

"We didn't show up to play," she said. "They (Beckman) outhustled us."

The Trojans were in control of the game early on. Bossenmeyer knocked down three shots from the outside to give University an 18-12 lead after the first quarter.

The Patriots took charge from there, giving Casillas consistent looks in the paint to fuel their attack. The senior forward scored 20 of her 25 points during the final three quarters.

University struggled from the field as well as the free-throw line. The Trojans missed 15 of their 21 attempts at the line.

University now must win the rest of its league games to claim one of the league's three guaranteed playoff berths. With Irvine's loss to Corona del Mar on Tuesday, the Trojans only need to beat Irvine on Feb. 5 to secure a tie for third place in league.

Beckman had never won more than three league games in a season before this year, and Jo is waiting for others to take notice of the team's success.

"We look at the (county) top 10 a lot," he said. "Who do we have to beat to get some consideration?"

The two teams will be back in action Thursday. Beckman travels to face Northwood, while University will visit Corona del Mar.

The Trojans will have to call on their bench to fill a void, as Carly Zwickl went down with an ankle sprain late in the third quarter Tuesday. Zwickl was playing in just her third game back from a meniscus tear in her knee that had kept her out since early December.